Introduction:

Residents of Lee County, Florida, have been alerted to a concerning text scam involving SunPass, prompting the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to issue a warning. The scam targets individuals with deceptive messages purporting to be from SunPass, aiming to trick recipients into disclosing sensitive information or making unauthorized payments.

Scam Operation:

The scam involves recipients receiving text messages claiming to be from SunPass, informing them of a $3.95 charge for using the Florida Express Lanes. Urging immediate payment to avoid additional fees, these messages appear authentic but are fraudulent attempts to deceive individuals.

Deceptive Tactics:

To enhance credibility, fraudulent messages mimic the format and language of genuine SunPass communications. This tactic aims to mislead recipients into believing the message is legitimate, emphasizing the urgency of action. However, SunPass never demands immediate payment via unsolicited text messages.

Precautionary Measures:

Residents are advised to verify the source of any text claiming to be from SunPass, exercise caution with links and attachments, contact the organization directly to verify messages, stay informed about scams, and report suspected fraud to relevant authorities promptly.

1. Verify the Source:

Before responding to any text, confirm its authenticity by checking the source against official contact details provided by SunPass. Deviations from established communication channels may indicate fraudulent activity.

2. Exercise Caution with Links:

Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited texts, particularly those demanding immediate payment. These links may lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information or install malware.

3. Contact the Organization Directly:

When in doubt, reach out to SunPass directly using verified contact information obtained from official sources. By confirming the legitimacy of messages, individuals can thwart potential scams.

4. Stay Informed:

Stay updated on prevalent scams by monitoring updates from law enforcement agencies and consumer protection organizations. Awareness empowers individuals to recognize and evade fraudulent schemes.

5. Report Suspected Fraud:

Report any suspected fraud to local law enforcement agencies or relevant authorities like the FTC or IC3. Prompt reporting helps authorities investigate and mitigate fraudulent activities.

Conclusion:

Vigilance and proactive measures are essential in safeguarding against scams like the SunPass text scam. By verifying messages, avoiding suspicious links, contacting organizations directly, staying informed, and reporting suspected fraud, residents can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes and preserve their personal and financial security.